Kohala Lighthouse Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for this stretch of coast.

Honestly, the first week and a half is a bit of a write-off. We’re looking at a long gap of nothing but frustrating conditions right through until the end of July. The wind is relentless – cross-shore and cross-onshore, mostly fresh breezes at 18-22 mph, just chopping the surface up into a lumpy mess. The swell is there, mostly around 4 ft to 7 ft, but it’s short-period, around 6-8 seconds, which means weak, messy waves. The combined energy values are in the low to mid range (180-568), telling you it’s just not got the punch. The water sits at about 80°, which is bang on average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real standout that gets my blood pumping is appearing on Sunday, July 26th down at Kohala Lighthouse (Big Island). This is an advanced reef break, so don’t even think about paddling out if you’re not on your game. The swell jumps to 6 ft-6 ft from the E, but the period is a massive 16-17 seconds, giving it a very long groundswell feel. The combined energy is huge (2183-2354), meaning there’s plenty of grunt. The downside? The wind is still cross-shore at 18 mph, which will keep the surface lumpy, not glassy. Still, this is a heavy, powerful wave with a lot of water moving, and for the experts, it’s the best pulse on offer, though expect a bit of a chop.

Then into the following week, we get a bit of a tease. Monday, July 27th sees the swell hold at 7 ft from the E, still with a 16-second period, and the wind eases to 15 mph. But it’s a cross-onshore, so the morning is choppy. The afternoon is a bit better with a cross-shore breeze, giving a marginal shot at some lumpy, powerful lines. The energy is through the roof (3140-3484), but the wind is the enemy here. Same goes for Tuesday, July 28th – 7 ft-7 ft from the E, 14-second period, but cross-onshore wind in the morning ruins it. The afternoon is cross-shore again, a marginal call.

Honestly, if you’re a paddler, you’re waiting for a clean slot that never really arrives. The wind is too persistent. If you’re a kiter, this whole stretch from July 26th onward looks way more interesting. The swell’s big, the energy is strong, and the cross-shore winds are exactly what you want. For the rest of us, it’s a game of patience.

Rusty.

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